Astros to keep a low profile during free agency

Carlos Lee’s massive contract and declining production are gone. Recognizable names such as Wandy Rodriguez and J.A. Happ have been exchanged for young talent and long-term potential as the Astros’ organization-wide rebuilding project continues. Roster spots and starting positions are wide open, with everything from the designated hitter role to the outfield and back end of the starting rotation in flux.

But just because free agency has begun doesn’t mean the Astros will fill all their holes at once.

San Francisco’s 4-0 sweep of Detroit in the World Series marked the end of the 2012 campaign and the official start of the Astros’ offseason. While big-spending teams focus on premier free agents such as Josh Hamilton, Zack Greinke and Michael Bourn, the Astros are expected to initially play a minor role in MLB’s annual bidding war, preferring to focus on low-cost, high-upside players who can be secured via contracts of minimal length.

Open market on Friday

Teams have exclusive negotiating rights with their own free agents through late Friday evening. Players can sign with new clubs starting at 11:01 p.m. CDT Friday.

Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow and owner Jim Crane acknowledged during recent interviews the team is likely to increase its payroll in 2013, following a 107-loss 2012 season that saw the club trade Lee, Rodriguez and Happ to bolster the farm system and improve future financial flexibility. But with the Astros still at least two years away from realistically competing for the postseason, they are expected to prize smart moves above risky ones.

“Are we going to go out and sign a free agent that’s going to play and contribute at the major league level? Probably not,” Luhnow said. “Now, we have some flexibility. We’ve got some outfield spots, we’ve got some pitching spots, we’ve got some bullpen spots — there’s places to plug in players that are major league value right now that we feel we’re going to go look at. But by and large … I feel pretty good that even if we don’t go out and sign free agents, we have a team that’s going to be better next year.”

The Astros’ only immediate decision rests with veteran catcher Chris Snyder, who hit just .176 in 76 games last season. The sides hold a mutual $4 million option with a $500,000 buyout. The Astros have until Wednesday to make a decision about Snyder, a Houston native who attended Spring Woods High School and the University of Houston. It’s highly unlikely they will retain his services.

Role models valued

As much as the American League-bound Astros desperately need improved pitching and hitting, the organization also will look to acquire experienced veterans who can aid the on- and off-the-field development of young prospects.

“That’s critical. Because oftentimes, it’s the guy you watch who’s done it and been there … and you model yourself after that player,” Luhnow said. “Whereas, when you have a team filled with 25-year-olds, it only takes one or two bad apples to set the whole thing off in the wrong direction, and there needs to be someone to check those guys.”